Just wanted to share a major win with the group. Georgia Power implemented changes to Schedule PL-1 last year and the transition has been a complete billing disaster. I've recovered over $2.3 million for clients in the past six months alone. The primary issues are incorrect demand ratchet applications and failure to properly apply seasonal adjustments under the new tariff structure. If anyone has clients in Georgia Power territory, you need to audit every bill since the January 2012 implementation date.
Georgia Power Schedule PL-1 disaster - $2.3M recovery so far
Derek, that's an incredible recovery amount! I'm also in Georgia Power territory and have been seeing similar issues. Just finished an audit on a textile manufacturer in Columbus - found $47,000 in overcharges from incorrect power factor penalty calculations. The utility's billing department seems completely overwhelmed by the new rate structure complexity. What's your success rate been on getting refunds processed quickly?
Rachel, I've had good luck getting refunds processed within 45-60 days if you have solid documentation. The key is presenting the billing errors in their own format and language. I created a standardized template that shows exactly how the charges should have been calculated versus what they actually billed. Georgia Power's audit team recognizes the template now and processes my claims much faster than generic refund requests.
Derek, would you be willing to share that template? I've got several Georgia Power clients just across the border here in Tennessee and I'd love to use a similar format for my recovery efforts. TVA has had similar billing issues with their recent rate changes and a standardized approach would be incredibly helpful.
Terry, I'll send you the template via PM. The key sections are: tariff reference, billing determinant analysis, error calculation methodology, and requested adjustment amount. Having everything laid out in the utility's own language and format makes it much harder for them to dispute the findings. Happy to help a fellow AAUBA member maximize recoveries.